Chapter 5

Qiao’er applied a thick layer of ointment to Zhao Mingzhu’s hands, then thoughtfully brought out the food and began feeding her with chopsticks.

“Crown Princess, please eat more. You haven’t had a bite all day. Thankfully, His Highness remembered and instructed someone to have me prepare your meal—otherwise you’d be starving until tomorrow.”

Zhao Mingzhu took a big bite of the crispy eight-treasure duck, her eyes squinting in bliss as the rich, tender meat melted on her tongue. She pointed to another dish—mushroom and fish slices in broth. “I want that one. Thanks to His Highness, then.”

Her tone was casual, and Qiao’er didn’t notice anything unusual, just busily served her more food. Zhao Mingzhu only stopped when her belly was round and full.

Gazing at the moonlight outside the window, Zhao Mingzhu suddenly asked, “When I went to Shoukang Palace today, I ran into a princess. Did I have some deep grudge with her in the past?”

She made no effort to hide her memory loss, and Qiao’er, unfazed, thought for a moment before replying, “Actually, Crown Princess, you and Princess Zhaohua didn’t have any major feud. It’s all because of that young lady from the Su family.”

Su family?

Zhao Mingzhu sat up straight. She didn’t know much else, but she definitely remembered the heroine of this book.

“Is it because of Su Lu?”

Qiao’er nodded as she packed up the food box. “You didn’t like that Su girl. Every time you met, you’d argue. A month ago, you ran into each other again. Princess Zhaohua happened to pass by and defended her. You got so angry that you pushed the princess into the lake. That got you locked up by the Duke, and the grudge was sealed.”

Zhao Mingzhu’s expression was hard to read. She sighed—the original owner was truly wild. Even dared to push a princess. No wonder her reputation was infamous.

“Princess Zhaohua is always solitary. Best to avoid her from now on.”

Zhao Mingzhu nodded, then hesitantly asked, “That academy… I’m already married, so I probably don’t have to…”

Without turning her head, Qiao’er delivered the heartbreaking news: “Crown Princess, don’t worry. You’ll be returning to the academy the day after tomorrow.”

Zhao Mingzhu: “…”

Escaped the workplace, couldn’t dodge school. What a life.

---

The next day.

A palace matron entered Shoukang Palace and woke the sleeping Zhao Mingzhu with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Crown Princess, did you sleep well? I wonder how the scriptures Her Majesty asked you to copy are coming along…”

Zhao Mingzhu yawned, walked to the desk, and handed over a stack of copied sutras.

“I’m not very capable. I copied until the third watch of the night and only finished half. Please take me to apologize to Her Majesty.”

The matron flipped through the pages, then glanced at the dark circles under Zhao Mingzhu’s eyes. She had indeed copied them honestly.

In truth, the original Zhao Mingzhu had been punished with scripture copying before, and the Heart Sutra was among them.

The matron put the pages away and said, “Crown Princess may leave the palace now.”

Zhao Mingzhu was surprised. The matron continued, “Her Majesty said that, since His Highness pleaded on your behalf, and you’ve endured both the beating and the copying, the matter is settled. But once you leave the palace, you must cultivate virtue and character.”

Zhao Mingzhu nodded repeatedly, sincerely replying, “I understand. I’ll remember Grandmother’s teachings.”

After the palace staff left, Chang He suddenly appeared again. “Crown Princess, His Highness is waiting at the palace gate to return home with you.”

Today was the formal return visit.

Zhao Mingzhu nodded and followed Chang He to the Zhuque Gate, then clambered into the carriage. Inside, Gu Qingheng sat calmly in the center, long fingers resting on the spine of a book, his demeanor composed.

Zhao Mingzhu didn’t stand on ceremony—she plopped down beside him. Since he didn’t speak, she played mute too.

As the carriage rolled forward, Gu Qingheng closed his book and said, “Is the Crown Princess upset that I didn’t help all the way through?”

Zhao Mingzhu shifted around to find the most comfortable position. “I know His Highness must have had his reasons.”

Truthfully, she wasn’t that angry. Gu Qingheng was more of a victim in her story. He hadn’t kicked her while she was down—in fact, he’d helped her out a little. That was enough.

She was quite pragmatic about it. Still, her mouth wouldn’t admit it. Might as well milk the moment.

Gu Qingheng tapped his knee with one finger, eyes fixed on her. “The Crown Princess is so considerate now. Truly not the same as before.”

The carriage filled with the soft scent of incense. Zhao Mingzhu closed her eyes, already drifting off.

“People change,” she murmured.

Gu Qingheng suddenly leaned in, studying her from head to toe. Then he reached out and gently touched her temple, behind her ear, and under her jaw—before withdrawing his hand.

Moments later, he picked up the teacup and poured its contents into the incense burner.

Meanwhile, Zhao Mingzhu was deep in a dream, swimming through piles of gold and silver. She hugged a gold brick, giggling, and leaned down to bite it to test if it was real. But the gold brick vanished, and she jolted awake—only to be stunned by the enlarged handsome face hovering above her.

What a majestic face… slurp.

Then she realized it was Gu Qingheng. Her spirit deflated instantly. She scrambled upright and sat properly, awkwardly muttering, “Sorry, I must’ve been really out of it.”

She wondered how she could still fall asleep instantly after going to bed so early the night before.

Gu Qingheng brushed off his robe. “No matter. We’ve arrived at the Duke’s residence, Crown Princess.”

Zhao Mingzhu nodded and followed him out of the carriage. A crowd stood waiting at the gate, and upon seeing them, knelt in greeting.

“Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince and Her Highness the Crown Princess. Long live Your Majesties!”

Gu Qingheng raised a hand. “Rise.”

Zhao Mingzhu quickly identified the middle-aged man at the front as her father, Zhao Qing. His gaze landed on her face and immediately turned into a glare, as if he were about to scold her as a disgraceful daughter.

Zhao Mingzhu rubbed her nose. Before coming, she’d heard that the Duke doted on her. Apparently not.

Zhao Qing welcomed them into the residence and immediately began apologizing, “My daughter’s behavior in the palace angered Her Majesty. It’s all due to my poor upbringing. I beg Your Highness to punish me.”

Gu Qingheng helped him up. “You’re too harsh, Duke. Her Majesty wasn’t truly furious—just issuing a small warning over past matters. Besides, Mingzhu has been quite well-behaved since entering the Eastern Palace. It’s clear she’s changed.” He smiled at Zhao Mingzhu, whose eyes darted around mischievously, reassuring the Duke.

Though Zhao Qing didn’t quite believe it, he knew his daughter was now married off, and his ability to protect her was limited. He turned and glared at Zhao Mingzhu again. Sometimes he wondered if she’d left her brain in the womb.

Zhao Mingzhu was used to the glares and responded with a cheeky grin.

Zhao Qing: “…”

Soon, the table was filled with dishes. As the adults discussed politics, Zhao Mingzhu couldn’t follow a word—so she buried herself in food.

Zhao Qing coughed twice. “Mingzhu, pour a bowl of His Highness’s favorite soup.”

Caught off guard, Zhao Mingzhu looked up blankly. There were five soups on the table—how was she supposed to know which one Gu Qingheng liked?

Zhao Qing’s face darkened. He gritted his teeth and reminded her, “His Highness likes sweet flavors. The ginkgo chicken soup should suit him.”

After Zhao Mingzhu placed the bowl in front of Gu Qingheng, Zhao Qing said, “The dishes here are simple. I hope Your Highness will honor us by trying them.”

Gu Qingheng gave a polite smile and took a sip.

Zhao Mingzhu watched his refined demeanor and silently thought—he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying it much.